I must say, I really enjoyed 'A Dickens of a Holiday!'. Indeed, I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It is an entertaining and engaging story with some lovely dialogue, amazing performances, and a lot of heart. It is undoubtedly one of the better Hallmark Christmas movies this 2021 season. The story follows Cassie (played by Brooke D'Orsay) who is directing 'A Christmas Carol' in the 100th Year Anniversary of Dickens Days in Dickens, Ohio, the town she grew up in. When Scrooge develops large nodules on his vocal cords and can't perform, she asks her former high school classmate Jake (played by Kristoffer Polaha) to take over the role. Jake, who is a Hollywood action star, is keen to land a more serious dramatic role in a new film based on his late mother's favorite book. To improve his resume, and to see the girl he once had a crush on in high school, Jake eventually agrees to take the part. And so, our story begins as we watch the two rehearse (with the cast) for the big night, discovering and tapping into the talent and passion they have for acting and directing, and, more importantly, for each other. The story itself is quite engaging with some heartfelt dialogue and interactions between Cassie and Jake. I also enjoyed the play within a play element of the story, which adds another layer to the viewing experience. Naturally, there were a few shortcomings with the script. For example, I felt the feud between the brothers was resolved too quickly, though, to be fair, it is only an 84-minute film. There was also the conflict at the end, which felt forced (unrealistic). What makes this movie special is the acting. Simply put: it is wonderful. D'Orsay has a sweet and caring vibe to her performance, which I found appealing. She also does a beautiful job of touching Polaha in various ways, which adds to their growing connection and chemistry on-screen. This connection via words and touch is lovely to watch. Polaha's performance is brilliant both as Jake and Scrooge. Regarding the latter, there is a remarkable scene where he is kneeling on the stage begging the Grim Reaper to restore his life. It is an impressive scene (D'Orsay's reaction to it was also great),and an impressive performance overall. Polaha and D'Orsay also have great chemistry on-screen (believable, convincing). There are several touching moments between them that I especially enjoyed (the carriage ride being one). Finally, the movie also has a warm Christmas vibe to it. The sets, props, and scenery are beautiful in the small town nineteenth-century England sense. Of course, there is a carriage ride, ice skating, tree shopping, hot cocoa, and other typical Hallmark Christmas elements. All of which add to the Christmas spirit and festive cheer of the film. All in all, 'A Dickens of a Holiday!' is a lovely story with some brilliant acting. One of Hallmark's best this season.

Although the story here is sort of typical for this type of movie, the acting from both leads is the real story. I've always liked both actors but Kristoffer Polaha shows some acting chops in this movie, I didn't realize he had. There was a simple scene, where he literally drew a tear. His part was very very well done.

Brooke D'Orsay does a great job with her part as well. Her character is sweet, caring and very good at her job, despite having some problems of her own. In spite of what some others have thought, I found their chemistry to be strong.

This one is WELL worth watching!

Divorcée, Cassie, is directing her hometown of Dickens, Ohio's production of A Christmas Carol. It's the one hundredth anniversary and this year has to be spectacular. Her first major problem...she looses her Scrooge. The mayor wants major Hollywood action star and hometown native, Jake.

Jake is desperate to get a serious role, but they won't even let him read for it. He wants the lead role in a drama based on his deceased mother's favorite book. So, home to Dickens he goes to play the very serious role of Scrooge under Cassie's direction.

Cassie and Jake have a bit of a past in that he asked her to the prom...and she said no. A little unrequited love.

This is a second chance holiday romance with Kristopher Polaha, who I have grown to love in the Mystery 101 series. I think I would watch him in anything. He is charming, funny and always engaging.

Sweet must see for the holidays.